Riding a motorcycle in Germany is clearly regulated, yet many rules are underestimated in everyday life or simply unknown – especially to visitors. If you know the motorcycle laws and regulations in Germany, you ride more safely and avoid unnecessary fines, penalty points or trouble with your insurer.
Here you will find the most important rules for motorcyclists in Germany at a glance, explained clearly and from a practical point of view.
Helmet law for motorcyclists in Germany
Germany has an unrestricted helmet requirement for rider and pillion.
The helmet must
be worn for the entire ride,
be securely fastened,
comply with ECE 22.05 or 22.06.
A so-called "brain cap" or a non-certified helmet is not permitted.
Penalty for violations
Riding without a helmet: €15 fine
Pillion without a helmet: also €15
Much more important than the fine: in an accident you may be found partly at fault, and then the insurance will reduce its payments. An approved helmet always belongs on your head. What the right motorcycle clothing should look like is covered in our gear section.
Protective clothing: required or recommended?
Only the helmet is required by law. Nevertheless:
Protective clothing is strongly recommended.
In accidents without protective clothing, contributory negligence can be claimed.
Recommended gear:
Motorcycle jacket with certified protectors
Motorcycle trousers
Gloves
Motorcycle boots or sturdy shoes
German courts have ruled several times that a lack of protective clothing can have legal disadvantages in the case of serious injuries. So dress sensibly, even for a short ride.
Daytime lights for motorcycles
In Germany you must ride with lights on during the day on a motorcycle. This makes it harder for drivers and other riders to overlook you.
Permitted:
Dipped beam
Daytime running lights (if fitted)
Not permitted:
riding without lights during the day
Penalty
Riding without lights: €10 fine
Speed limits for motorcycles
In Germany the same speed limits apply to motorcycles as to cars.
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h
Autobahn: no general limit unless signposted. The recommended speed is 130 km/h.
Yes, motorcycles are allowed on the Autobahn – as long as they can reach more than 60 km/h, which rules out mopeds and some small scooters. Important: even without a speed limit, you can be held partly responsible for an accident if your speed was inappropriate.
Overtaking and riding behaviour
For motorcyclists:
In a traffic jam you are not simply allowed to ride past the cars.
Overtaking is only permitted if there is enough space.
You must not use the hard shoulder.
Filtering or lane splitting is not legal in Germany, although it is sometimes tolerated in practice. You have no right to it.
Phone, sat nav and technology
While riding:
Phone only with a hands-free system
You may use navigation devices if they
are firmly mounted and
are not operated while riding.
Penalties
Phone held to the ear: €100 and 1 penalty point
With endangerment or an accident: considerably higher penalties
Documents: what do you need to carry?
Mandatory:
valid driving licence
vehicle registration certificate (in Germany: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)
Not mandatory for German residents, but sensible:
ID card or passport (visitors should always carry it)
proof of insurance
Digital copies do not replace the originals, but can be very helpful in an emergency.
Number plate and technical rules
Your motorcycle must
have a correctly mounted number plate,
have working lights,
have permitted tyres (size, tread, type),
comply with noise and emission rules.
A tampered exhaust or a removed dB killer leads to
a fine,
the vehicle being taken off the road,
problems at the roadworthiness test.
Parking a motorcycle: what is allowed
Permitted:
parking in regular parking spaces
parking in designated motorcycle parking spaces
Not permitted:
parking on pavements
blocking emergency routes
parking in front of driveways
stopping in the emergency corridor on the motorway
Fines start at €55 and can be considerably higher if you obstruct others.
Alcohol and drugs
The same limits apply to motorcyclists as to car drivers:
0.5 ‰: administrative offence
0.3 ‰ with signs of impairment: criminal offence
0.0 ‰ for novice drivers in their probationary period and riders under 21
Drugs almost always lead to a riding ban, penalty points and heavy fines.
Conclusion
The motorcycle rules in Germany are clear. If you know them and stick to them, you ride more safely, avoid fines and points and are in a better legal position after an accident. And in the end everyone on the road benefits.
This overview is the foundation for everything you should know as a motorcyclist in Germany, from the helmet law and speed limits to technical and parking rules. Ride safe.
Frequently asked questions
Are motorcycles allowed on the Autobahn?
Yes. Any motorcycle whose design speed is above 60 km/h may use the Autobahn. Where there is no speed limit sign, the recommended speed is 130 km/h.
Is protective clothing mandatory on a motorcycle in Germany?
No, only the helmet is required. Without protective clothing, however, you may be found partly at fault in an accident.
Do I have to ride with lights on during the day?
Yes. Dipped beam or daytime running lights are compulsory during the day as well, otherwise it costs €10.
Can I filter between cars in a traffic jam?
No. Filtering is not allowed in Germany, even though it is sometimes tolerated.
What is the alcohol limit for motorcyclists in Germany?
0.5 ‰; with signs of impairment a criminal offence is possible from 0.3 ‰. Novice riders in their probationary period and riders under 21 must stay at 0.0 ‰.
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